ClG

Lackluster drama despite good casts!!

I watch the first couple of episodes and I found it engaging and found Lusi really adorable as Ayin. The CGI however was very telling on how much investment that was put into this drama (not much). Continuing on the middle of the story so far the chemistry between the main leads are there.

The only thing that makes this drama fall flat is that it is full cliches or rather full of something that has been done before, there is nothing unique to it. It becomes so predictable that I don't even have finish the drama to know what will happen.

If you are just looking for more content of Zhao Lusi just for the sake of watching her, then this drama might be for you. But if you are looking for a drama that actually has a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat or a drama that makes you want more, this drama is not it.

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Could've been better

Love seven times, is about two people falling in love in 7 lifetimes...due to this I expected for their love story to be a grand/great love story. I feel like the only time they were able to showcase this was during their 2nd tribulation where Xiangyun ended up dying by an arrow, another time was also when they showed how Chukong and Cang hai fell in love 30,000 years ago.

Not that the actors acting was bad or anything, I just feel that they lack the type of director who can push them to do more. I can also sense that the actor who played Haoxun (the evil older brother/ruler) was confused with his character. Overall, they lack proper direction, and that they had an opportunity to make this story really unique that they could've really own, instead it was water-downed with the lack of passion coming from the director and seemed to have just used the common formula of a typical xianxia/wuxia story.

What I like about it was the aesthetic, the production settings, the costumes, and the vfx were all top-notch even a bit better than Love between fairy and devil.

The chemistry between Ding Yuxi and Yang Chao Yue were there but then again as I said before I just feel like they were left with what ever and the director wasn't as proactive and giving direction nor were the actors to have more freedom to do what they will with how they can make the characters be played out better.

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It kinda fell off...

Watching the first half was good, it was interesting. The acting of JJY wasn't as bad this time. However, I don't why, but after the main leads got together finally, it kinda fell flat. The chemistry that they were teasing/building between the main leads in the beginning just wasn't there as you would hope to kind of explode. Plus, is it just me or Pan Yue is not capable of a character, I mean the character is mid, ability wise like in terms of investigating, martial arts, etc. Also, the dynamic between the supporting characters and main leads is not as intriguing, like the friendship is not well maintained nor is deep (I mean it is supposed to be but it is just not well written.)

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A watered down story.

I would say up until episode 9, the story was accumulating to be a good one. Each actors played their part well. But when I thought it can satisfy my expectation even more, it disappointed me instead.

I was expecting a greater exploration towards the ties between political tension and personal vendetta between our main leads. A detail that should've created more depth in their character growths and human emotions for each other. But all depth has gone shallow when the story took the direction of just letting "fluffy" romance to take over. Don't get me wrong I do not detest such romance but in a plot that is introduced contrast to that, I can't help but feel a bit shortchanged.

The initial setup hinted at something much richer—conflicted loyalties, generational trauma, and the murky line between duty and desire. There were moments, especially in episodes 6 through 9, where it truly felt like the drama was threading a needle between intimate storytelling and broader political intrigue. But instead of pushing further into those emotionally charged, morally gray areas, it took the safer route: romantic tropes that felt unearned and, frankly, tone-breaking.

This shift didn’t just simplify the narrative—it diluted the complexity that had been carefully building. Characters who were once driven by layered motivations suddenly became mouthpieces for sweet nothings. Their choices started to feel less like the result of internal struggle and more like convenient pivots to make space for longing gazes and saccharine scenes. It made the stakes feel lower, like everything that had been simmering just evaporated.

There was real potential for "The Prisoner of Beauty" to be more than a romance set against a political backdrop. Instead, what we got felt more like a retreat than a culmination.

In the end, it’s not that the romance shouldn’t have been there—it’s that it took over at the expense of everything else. And in doing so, it turned a story that could’ve been powerful into something merely pretty.

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Sweet...but that's it.

This truly female-centric drama is filled with sweet moments between Li Rong and Pei Weixuan, but don't get me wrong—I’m not complaining about that. In fact, it's the only good thing in this drama.

The overall plot revolves around royal politics, but it fails to engage. Why? Because it's the same old story used in countless other Chinese dramas—cliché and predictable. The political aspect of the drama is especially problematic. Rather than enhancing the story, it overwhelms it, making the romance feel secondary. The political intrigue is replete with the usual power struggles, betrayals, and court manipulations seen in many other Chinese dramas. This lack of originality makes the political storyline just feels stale.

When it comes to the relationship between Li Rong and Pei Weixuan, there are many scenes that can make you swoon—scenes that other Chinese romance dramas should take inspiration from, not just for the moments themselves but also for the chemistry between the characters. However, that’s all there is to their relationship. It’s sweet, but as the episodes progress, it becomes bland. It lacks depth.

Emotional depth in a relationship means that the characters connect on more than just a superficial level. They should share their vulnerabilities, support each other’s growth, and face challenges together in a way that strengthens their bond (Which they do show but only at a a certain level). In this drama, the emotional moments between Li Rong and Pei Weixuan are tied to a few predictable elements:

Misunderstandings that get resolved: These moments can create temporary tension, but they often feel contrived and don't lead to any significant character development or deeper understanding between the characters.

Su Rongqing: The presence of a third party can add drama, but it can also distract from the development of the main relationship. Instead of focusing on how Li Rong and Pei Weixuan grow together, the drama spends too much time on external conflicts.

Imbalance in their relationship: It’s clear that Pei Weixuan loves Li Rong more than she loves him. This imbalance can create tension, but it also makes their relationship feel one-sided and unfulfilling.

Politics: While political intrigue can add complexity to a story, in this case, it detracts from the emotional core of the relationship. The characters are often more focused on external power struggles than on each other.

Reflecting on the drama "Queen of Tears," I realize how much Li Rong and Pei Weixuan's relationship lacks in terms of emotional depth. Their love story feels more like a series of plot points than a genuine, evolving bond. They never reach the point where being apart feels like losing a part of themselves. They don’t cry for each other or display the kind of profound emotional connection that makes their love feel essential to their existence. The focus on political intrigue overshadows their personal connection, making it difficult to invest in their romance.

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Finally a good ending!!!!

It is such a rarity to watch a drama that is good and ALSO has a good ending. It is not rushed, no cliff-hanger, and no open-ending.

The chemistry of the leads were very explosive. Like even the subtle actions of each other where they were acting so hard and kept lying to themselves how they shouldn't fall in love and yada yada but bruh anyone can literally see how much they want each other so bad lmao. And their kisses!!!! I can't- like yesss!!!!!

I would just say though as a critique, would be either the character Mofang or the actor because his character to me lacks depth...either it is the way the character is written or it's just the actor's lack of ability to act but honestly his parts were easily forgotten and just boring. I feel like the actor should've shown more resistant and despair when it comes to killing his comrades rather than just only being protective of shenli because shenli wasn't the only one who was their for him throughout his life.

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Throw your logic out the window!

Watching My Mischievous Fiancée, you’ll quickly notice that the character Dao, also known as Faidam, makes very little sense from a logical standpoint. Her decisions and motivations are incredibly inconsistent, almost to the point of being nonsensical. She starts off with the goal of proving why she shouldn’t marry Param—understandable enough—but the way she goes about it defies common sense.

For starters, there’s already plenty of evidence in her favor. Param is clearly involved with Rika, and more importantly, he explicitly tells Dao he doesn’t want to marry her. That alone should’ve been a free pass out of the engagement. All their families asked for was a meeting and an honest conversation—just a simple sit-down could have solved everything. Instead, Dao takes it to extremes, creating one convoluted situation after another for seemingly no good reason.

Yes, she’s meant to be the comic relief, and she does have genuinely funny moments. But she’s also the primary reason the drama feels like a “trashy drama”—in the best and worst ways. It’s the kind of show you can watch while multitasking, skipping entire scenes without missing much. The plot isn’t exactly tight, and it often runs on over-the-top antics rather than meaningful development.

Still, despite all that, My Mischievous Fiancée has its charm. It’s an easy, low-effort watch. If you're in the mood for something light, silly, and not emotionally or mentally demanding, it gets the job done. Just don’t go in expecting solid character logic or consistent storytelling—this drama is more about chaotic fun than depth.

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Stunning VFX, Flawed Execution

This is just an initial review of this drama based on the released episodes 1-7.

Based on my first impression, the most impressive aspect of this drama was undoubtedly the VFX. It's clear they invested heavily in this area, elevating the wuxia genre. However, the cinematography, particularly the color grading, left much to be desired. The overly saturated colors, especially the blues and pinks, along with the maxed-out brightness and contrast, gave it an old-fashioned wuxia look that wasn't visually pleasing.

Despite the awesome VFX, there's an over-reliance on it during the fight sequences. While visually impressive, the VFX can be distracting. The actors often make movements where they are only standing or floating in the air, and then pointing their swords at opponents, which diminishes the impact of the actual martial arts. This imbalance between physical fighting and VFX makes the action scenes feel less engaging.

As for the characters, they were somewhat disappointing. The performances felt unnatural, from the facial expressions to the delivery of dialogue. Each character seemed overly animated, reminiscent of a live-action adaptation of a Japanese anime, with exaggerated expressions and dialogue that felt out of place and unnatural.

I'm still giving it a chance, keeping my critical eyes in check, lol. Edit: I just dropped it...

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It's okay.

First thing to note here is Wang Hedi's voice does not sound great. It deters from his character being in a set of historical time. His acting was okay but nothing special that attributes to his character that he is playing, as he is simply just playing himself. His eyes, though beautiful, it doesn't say much to his expression, still stiff.

The story is mid. Nothing new. Relies heavily on comedic dialogues and scenes. However, the fighting choreography is epic.

Tian Xi Wie's character is not my favourite, I would've preferred had she had been the grand princess instead, since that role seems to be more interesting.

Oddly it felt like the story wanted to take the direction of Joy of Life at some capacity.

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It's great! Go watch it!

The way the director, writer, producer, and actors approached the story of a character who transmigrates into a fictional novel is brilliantly executed. They truly did justice to the emotional and psychological complexity of being transported to an unknown land. In many previous dramas, leads are often shown as mildly confused but able to assimilate seamlessly into their surroundings within seconds. However, this drama takes a refreshing and more realistic approach. Ling Miao Miao’s immediate and desperate desire to escape her unfamiliar circumstances establishes her as a character who is self-aware and relatable. This quick, instinctive reaction defines her personality right from the start, and impressively, her growth throughout the story—particularly in the context of love—remains cohesive and believable without diminishing her initial characterization.

Speaking of love—despite the severe lack of kisses (lol)—the chemistry between the leads is nothing short of explosive. The drama doesn’t rely on overt displays of affection to convey their bond; instead, it is built through meaningful dialogue, their constant need to be near each other, and the intensity of their gazes. Mu Sheng’s unwavering looks toward Miao Miao, in particular, speak volumes about the depth of their connection, as though their very existence is intertwined. Their love feels almost fated, transcending the typical tropes of romance, and resonates deeply with viewers.

One of the drama’s standout elements is how the second leads, Mu Yao and Liu Fuyi, are given room to shine. Unlike many stories where secondary characters feel like mere backdrops, here they are well-developed and integral to the plot. Their struggles and relationships are treated with care and purpose, adding another layer of richness to the story.

I also want to highlight on the how they tie it to modern life of Ling Miao Miao and the author, it gave actual contrast to the world Miao Miao is transported into which added more depth to the story than a simple transmigration to a fantasy world.

There are some critiques:

1. Where are the kisses!!!! Lmao

2. The aunt of Mu Sheng, Luniang...was she necessary? Here acting wasn't as impressive but perhaps if the character had
shown more clinginess and affection towards the Goddess Mei, a more believable act of being close as kin to each other and the initial or eventual hate towards the father of Mu Sheng be more expressed more than spewed words that might be better for the plot, justifying her actions towards Mu Sheng.

3. Certain parts toward the end felt rushed, particularly as the drama tried to resolve major plot points. A slightly longer runtime or more thoughtful pacing could have helped provide a more satisfying conclusion.

4. While his decision to sacrifice himself was a pivotal moment, it lacked the emotional weight it could have had. A private, heartfelt conversation between Mu Sheng and Miao Miao before his decision would have beautifully showcased the depth of their understanding and love for each other. This could have made the moment even more impactful for viewers.

Overall, it was funny, romantic, heart-warming drama perfect for any day of relaxation or a break from life.

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It's an eye-roll, type of angst.

At first, the only reason I even started watching Feud was because the two main leads are already written to be married.

Honestly, I didn’t think the visual effects were that bad. The art direction—from costumes and set design to VFX and color grading—was decent. It’s obvious the budget was limited, but they managed it fairly well and made the most of what they had.

One of the first things that completely annoyed me, though, was the background music and sound effects. The timing was often off, and some sounds were just not fitting for the scenes—like sound effects for something as small as blinking (seriously?). It reminded me of Thai comedy dramas or variety shows where every tiny movement gets a sound. As for the OSTs, most were solid, except for one song: “Pluck the Stars” by Su Jiang Xin. I get that it’s meant to be emotional, but it was so distracting it pulled me out of the scenes entirely. Like, can it calm down for a second?

Now onto acting and characters. Bai Lu delivered, as always. That said, her character felt very similar to Jiang Xue Ning (Story of the Kunning Palace) and Li Su Su (Till the End of the Moon). I expected more of a shift in her character dynamic, but there were only slight differences.

Joseph Zeng really surprised me here, especially with his facial expressions—they added a lot of depth to his character. I first saw him in Mysterious Lotus Casebook, and Bai Jiu Si is quite the opposite of his role there, which shows his range.

The second male lead, though—Zhang Suan, played by Chen Xin Hai—was the most disappointing. The character is already written to be annoying, especially if you’re rooting for the main couple. But Chen Xin Hai brought nothing extra to redeem that. Honestly, his delivery felt so stiff. There was a huge disconnect between his lines and his body language. His face barely changed, and his attempt at subtlety just came off as flat and empty—as if he didn’t know how to act. On top of that, his complexion always looked dull and sickly on screen.

On the flip side, He Rui Xian as Fan Linger made a great first impression. Her acting was solid, but her storyline didn’t live up to her potential. Instead of a meaningful arc, her character got reduced to a typical family conflict with her father—something that could’ve gone in a much more interesting direction.

Another standout was Hong Yao as Xiao Jing Shan. I’m not sure if he was dubbed (it wasn't listed anywhere), but if he wasn’t, then props to him. His diction and line delivery felt natural and his expressions added real weight to his role. He gave off “quality actor” energy.

As for the story itself, it was more cohesive than most xianxia dramas I’ve seen. That said, I ended up sympathizing more with Bai Jiu Si than Hua Ruyue. From the start, even though Ruyue seemed to care for others on the surface, her actions were mostly driven by self-interest. Everything began with what she wanted, not necessarily what was right. In her relationship with Jiu Si, he was the one constantly focused on her—doing everything for her happiness and safety. Meanwhile, she mainly focused on her own feelings and perspective, often disregarding his.

Take the situation with the child: Jiu Si didn't want one because Lord Yu Ya warned him that pregnancy would weaken Ruyue. Even if he had told her they needed to go take punishment for killing the drought dragon, the baby probably would’ve died anyway—or even Ruyue herself, considering they’d be struck by 99 lightning bolts daily. Jiu Si’s karma, I guess, was making that choice for her instead of letting her choose.

What really sealed my sympathy for him was how, after everything he did to protect her—including keeping her mortal for ten years to avoid divine punishment—he still got stabbed and imprisoned by her. All while hearing her say she hated him and wanted him dead. Then, when he finally learns the truth—that they had a child and lost him because of his actions—he’s emotionally wrecked. And to top it off, he watches the love of his life get burned and buried alive. Like, bro. That’s pain.

Overall, the story was okay. It felt tame for my taste, but it was digestible.
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*edit: Now that I’ve finished it, I have to say—the ending felt like it was written purely for convenience, just to avoid a “bad ending.” It was rushed and fell flat.

The villain’s motive, while initially understandable (his revenge being warped by the demonic energy he consumed), ended up feeling forced. The story tried to deepen his vendetta by turning it into this whole “restart the world through destruction” plot, but it lost me. It felt like it came out of nowhere and didn’t connect to his original reason for vengeance.

It would’ve made more sense if he had tampered with time to go back and save his family. That would’ve been consistent with his grief. But instead, they went with “erasing the killer’s name” as a resolution—like, bruh. Really?

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